# Why Do People Tailgate? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [December 9, 2002, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533 "2002-12-09T16:11:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/121 "2002-12-11T14:36:19Z")
Nobody said you _shouldn’t care_ about getting where you are going, but if that (along with ‘MY right of way’) becomes the focus, then other things (like “is it really safe/sensible to do this?”) get less consideration. Having the legal right of way doesn’t stop you getting smeared across the tarmac by someone who isn’t paying proper attention. ---
**Author:** ![Agrippina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8797f3/32.png) [@Agrippina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agrippina)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/122 "2002-12-11T14:40:11Z")
This reminds me of a Charles Addams cartoon where Uncle Fester, grinning, is driving a car and he waves to let the people behind him to go around. Little do they know that a huge truck is coming right around the corner (they’re on a winding mountain road no less). ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/123 "2002-12-11T14:43:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Desmostylus \* > **Mangetout: It’s _way_ more complicated than that. When you drive you deal (briefly) with all types of people. Smart people. Stupid people. Polite people. Selfish people. Saints. Assholes.** I’m not sure that it is much more complicated. You can’t avoid the unavoidable, but I can’t think of an everyday situation where driving aggressively makes things better or safer. ---
**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/124 "2002-12-11T14:48:28Z")
**Mangetout:** I’ve agreed with your behavioural recommendation. What more do you want? ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/125 "2002-12-11T15:03:15Z")
Peace on Earth. ---
**Author:** ![Desmostylus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c57346/32.png) [@Desmostylus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desmostylus)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/126 "2002-12-11T15:06:49Z")
Granted. Be Happy. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/127 "2002-12-11T16:03:57Z")
The passing lane is for PASSING, not for taking your Sunday stroll. If someone comes up on your ass, MOVE THE HELL OVER! If you don’t, you could get a ticket (at least in my State). See that little peddle on the floor that makes your car go zoom zoom? For the love of Big Foot - USE IT! You are just as dangerous as the guy who is speeding, if not more so. And furthermore, unless you are a cop or State Trooper, you have not been delegated the duties of making sure every one abides by the posted speed limit. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Profane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47774/32.png) [@Profane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Profane)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/128 "2002-12-11T17:29:27Z")
No, Diane, thank you! ---
**Author:** ![badmana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@badmana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/badmana)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/129 "2002-12-11T17:47:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Broomstick \* > Bullshit. I don’t “camp” in the left lane of a multi-lane. On the interstate I’m either right lane or center lane because I do NOT want to deal with the asswipes who think driving is the same as bumper cars. OK, I agree tailgating someone while NOT trying to pass them (in the left lane) is dumb (and being a bully). From the context of what we were saying I thought you ment you wanted drivers to pass you while YOU were in the left lane. > [@](#): > > But there HAVE been multiple instances where I have either > > 1. tried to pass the slow idiot ahead of me, but as soon as I signal the lane change some asshole behind him speeds up and boxes me in, or > 2. I have been in the right or center lane during a low traffic period and someone has _delibrately_ pulled up behind me - \*even when the other lanes were empty - flashed lights, and made rude gestures when there is PLENTY of room for him/her to go around me. > > Who appointed these other drivers to “clear the road”?\* Clearing the road as in keeping traffic moving. You don’t need anyone appointed for that. The faster traffic moves, the less traffic there is etc. > [@](#): > > You are right on one level - I don’t care about road bullies, and that’s what tailgaters are - bullies. I don’t drive under the speed limit, I don’t flash tail-lights unless I truly mean to stop, I let folks change lanes and pass me. I’m not the problem here. People driving too damn fast in too much of a hurry are the problem here. How can you blame fast drivers? How can someone drive fast yet tailgate you? I ain’t blaming you, but you can’t blame speeders. They can’t speed if they’re tailgating you. I speed. If you happen to impede traffic just to stop me from speeding, I will flash you, then pass you on the right side (again, only if you’re blocking the left lane). > [@](#): > > Oh, now THAT’s fucking mature of you, isn’t it? Risking getting rear-ended _yourself_ just to make a point? THAT isn’t a “fuck the guy behind me” attitude? How about you just drive your car 20-40 mph over the speed limit and just leave the rest of us behind - we’ll be more than happy for you to be first at the scene of the accident. > … > Like I said, a real fucking mature attitude. “Hey, let’s kill someone because they annoy us.” Does it make you feel big and important to risk not only your neck but someone else’s. Now where the fuck did I say I caused that accident? I have never caused anyone any injuries while in my car. And cutting someone off “while passing” might not be right (hey, I ain’t defending my actions, I’m admitting to them) but it’s not like I’m slowing down once I’m passed them. I tend to end up several dozen KMs ahead. I don’t look back. > [@](#): > > As I SAID - if someone wants to pass me, let them. I’m more than happy to let them go first, and, since I’m not in the left lane unless _I’m_ passing someone, there’s NO REASON to tailgate me, blink your lights, or otherwise act like a jackasss. But people do. All the time. > … > **I** never said ANYTHING about “blocking the left lane”. I was talking about TAILGATING, which is ILLEGAL, DANGEROUS, and STUPID regardless of what the guy in front of you is or is not doing. And SPEEDING is ALSO illegal, frequently dangerous, and often stupid. Cutting people off and slamming on your brakes to intentionally cause and accident is ALSO in those categories. > > _ **There is NO justification for tailgating! EVER!** _ Most of the ranting here is against left lane hogs (in defense of tailgating that is). If you ain’t in the left lane then yes, just tailgating someone for ANY reason in the center/right lanes is just stupid. I don’t expect anyone to move over if you aren’t in the left lane. All I’m saying is that if someone CAN tailgate you while in the left lane and there is no traffic in front of you, that means you’re impeding traffic. If you’re not in the left lane then what the hell are we arguing for? ---
**Author:** ![Surreal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/130 "2002-12-11T17:48:27Z")
I can’t speak for everyone but the situation I referred to in the OP was on a single-lane stretch of highway. I normally drive about 10 MPH above the posted speed limit. When I get tailgated, I slow down considerably so as to reduce the potential hazard should a collision actually occur. The fact that I’m also getting revenge on the person doing the tailgating is an added bonus! ---
**Author:** ![Joyce\_W](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3ab097/32.png) [@Joyce\_W](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joyce_W)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/131 "2002-12-11T18:14:24Z")
As a driver of an “18 wheeler” I have seen some really dumbass drivers all across our lovely United States. Tailgating is by far one of the most dangerous maneuvers on the highways and byways. “Ignorance is bliss”, as the old saying goes. I can’t help it when I’m pulling 80,000 pounds an a small hill can slow me down considerably. Believe me I’m trying as hard as my foot can smash the accelerator to get out of your way. I’m not being a road hog or trying to piss you off. (You know who you are). And please, if it is at night, don’t flash your brights at me. Because now I’m not only pulling 80,000 pounds, I’m now blind! Give me a minute or 3 and I’ll get out of your way. By the way, I have someone in front of me. But you can’t see that because you are so far up my ass. (You know who you are). And yes, BIG TRUCKS tailgate each other and those poor little 4-wheelers. Gramps in the camper doesn’t count. He is oblivious to anyone else on the road anyway. All I am saying is, “Give peace a chance”. Oh, and one more thing. Yes I can see down into the cars as they pass. I guess you forget about the infant car seats with there little bundles of joy in the back seat and you are speeding about 10 feet away from that innocent little human being. As I always say, “You should have left 15 minutes earlier”. You wouldn’t believe how much better you feel without all that excess road rage. Joyce ---
**Author:** ![Surreal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/132 "2002-12-11T18:32:57Z")
Welcome to the Straight Dope Message Board, **Joyce W.**! ---
**Author:** ![Bob\_Scene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Bob\_Scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Scene)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/133 "2002-12-11T18:34:26Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by cainxinth \* > \*\*Honestly, its a two lane highway, Grandma is doing the limit in the left lane, and the road is crowded. Do you just sit boxed behind her and the cars in the right lane going the same speed or do you gently imply that perhaps madam would be more comfortable in the right lane. Explain to me what’s wrong there. \*\* Okay, I’ll **try** to explain. You sound too stupid to understand, so I’ll type real slow. Here goes: You. Are. Endangering. People’s. Lives. When. You. Tailgate. Read those words over and over again as many times as necessary before they sink in. Please note that endangering someone’s life is not “gentle,” that you are endangering the lives of people other than the person you’re trying to punish (the people in the right lane, for example), and that the only benefit anyone will get out of your reckless driving is that you **might** get where you’re going a couple of minutes faster. Now do you understand? Probably not, but I tried. ---
**Author:** ![Epimetheus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c4cdca/32.png) [@Epimetheus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Epimetheus)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/134 "2002-12-11T18:45:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Diane \* > \*\*The passing lane is for PASSING, not for taking your Sunday stroll. If someone comes up on your ass, MOVE THE HELL OVER! If you don’t, you could get a ticket (at least in my State). > > See that little peddle on the floor that makes your car go zoom zoom? For the love of Big Foot - USE IT! You are just as dangerous as the guy who is speeding, if not more so. > > And furthermore, unless you are a cop or State Trooper, you have not been delegated the duties of making sure every one abides by the posted speed limit. > > Thank you. \*\* Actually at the DMV where you take the drivers test here in Missouri, in the little books they hand out is is NOT called the passing lane, it is called the fast lane. Fast being the speed limit, not above it. Fast is relative if you take the speed limit out of the equation, but it IS IN THE FUCKING EQUATION DUMBASS. I may not be a cop, but you know what, if you break the law, it is in my power to detain you untill a cop arrives, this is called a CITZENS ARREST. If I am in the fast lane on a highway where the SL is 65, and I am doing 70, I will not get a ticket for impeding traffic, that is a big fucking lie and a myth. You will get a ticket for tailgaiting me, and driving recklessly. Or I will get a ticket for SPEEDING. Yes, speeding, it is against the law, in case your forgot. And 5MPH over the speed limit does qualify for speeding. If I am driving in the fast lane at 70mph it is because everybody else is doing 65 or less, which is why I am in the fucking fast lane ya moron, I am not going to get out of your inconsiderate ass way, just to slow down and have to re-enter the fast lane to get around the people I **percieve** as going slow. (percieve because they are doing the speedlimit) When a big enough stretch of road opens up for me to move over, I will, or will not depending on if you are tailgating me or not. If you are wanting to do 80 in a 65 you are breaking the fucking law, and should not really care about passing me on the right then. Why should you be an outstanding citzen when it comes to that and be a hypocrite and speed, tailgate, and drive recklessly? All three of which are seperate offenses in every state that I know of. What is one more law broken on a stupid criminal that is already breaking 3 laws? Should I bother moving for you? No, go fuck yourself, criminal scum. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/135 "2002-12-11T19:14:07Z")
Tailgating doesn’t hurt anyone, it’s the sudden stop at the end that does. :d&r: ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/136 "2002-12-11T19:25:34Z")
Moving over a lane to let someone pass should not be a “bother” to you. You’re already in the car, it isn’t like you’re going miles out of your way! If the person is tailgating, I would let them pass me on the right, just because if I try to change lanes, they are usually trying to change lanes at the same time. I leave a healthy space behind me before changing lanes, a tailgater doesn’t and tries to dive into the other lane before I get a chance, so I just let them. It is courteous to move over when there is space and let others pass, plain and simple. I gauge this by how much open space is ahead of me, if there is a long stretch of clear road ahead, I’ll move over and let someone pass, then resume driving however I want. ---
**Author:** ![Epimetheus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/c4cdca/32.png) [@Epimetheus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Epimetheus)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/137 "2002-12-11T19:29:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Cheesesteak \* > \*\*It is courteous to move over when there is space and let others pass, plain and simple. \*\* This is true, I didn’t say I NEVER do, just that I wont for a tailgater. It is courteous to have some patience and not put the person in front of you in danger. Should I be nice and polite to a person that is clearly being an asshole by riding my ass? Fuck no, screw em. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/138 "2002-12-11T19:36:58Z")
**Epimetheus** , well, I can’t argue with that! Carry on. ---
**Author:** ![cainxinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7bcc69/32.png) [@cainxinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cainxinth)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/139 "2002-12-11T19:43:08Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bob Scene \* > \*\*Okay, I’ll **try** to explain. You sound too stupid to understand, so I’ll type real slow. Here goes: > > You. Are. Endangering. People’s. Lives. When. You. Tailgate. > > Read those words over and over again as many times as necessary before they sink in. > > Please note that endangering someone’s life is not “gentle,” that you are endangering the lives of people other than the person you’re trying to punish (the people in the right lane, for example), and that the only benefit anyone will get out of your reckless driving is that you **might** get where you’re going a couple of minutes faster. > > Now do you understand? Probably not, but I tried. \*\* Easy now, you’re obviously one of the jerkwads who likes to cruise the limit in the passing lane. Rest assured if you box me in, ill be more than courteous and careful in getting your attention and letting you know your endangering me by not understanding how to use the highway system. ---
**Author:** ![Diane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2acd7d/32.png) [@Diane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diane)\ **Post date:** [December 11, 2002, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533/140 "2002-12-11T19:43:14Z")
> [@](#): > > Actually at the DMV where you take the drivers test here in Missouri, in the little books they hand out is is NOT called the passing lane So fucking what about the laws in Missouri? I am speaking from the knowledge I have about the State where I live. Let me hit you with the cluestick, Spanky - THERE ARE 49 OTHER STATES IN THE UNION. Missouri traffic law does not apply over the entire US of A. Actually, at the DMV where you take the test here in Utah, in the little books they hand out it is NOT called the fast lane, it is called the passing lane and you WILL get a ticket for impeding traffic if you do not move over for faster moving vehicles. It is NOT a myth and it is NOT a lie and maybe you ought to know what the fuck you’re talking about before you open that gaping yammering yap of yours. Better luck next time, but thanks for playing. Really. Left Lane Restrictions SB 52 - Which states (bolding mine): \*Left Lane Restrictions SB 52 states that a vehicle may not use the left lane if they are pulling a trailer or semi-trailer - regardless of size. In addition it states that motorists must pass on the left and when a motorist is being passed they may not increase their speed until the passing motorist has completely passed their vehicle. **It also states that if a vehicle in the left lane is being overtaken by another vehicle, the motorist must yield to the overtaking vehicle by moving safely to the lane at their right.** \* [http://www.csaa.com/global/articledetail/0,8055,1008020000%7C2964,00.html](http://www.csaa.com/global/articledetail/0,8055,1008020000%257C2964,00.html) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-tailgate/141533.md?page=8)